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Referees need thick skin to cope with critics

At 18, I broke a bone in my wrist, preventing me from playing rugby. I went from job to job until a friend suggested I consider becoming a referee

How do you go about it?

Before you can officiate, you have to pass a rugby league referee’s exam covering the laws of the game, and a fitness test. Once qualified, referees are appointed to local amateur matches. The next step is local and national area camps, where they receive proper coaching. A competent referee could take charge of Super League games within three years

Should referees play the game first?

I believe it helps. You gain a better understanding of the sport and stand a better chance of progressing quickly. Players tend to have more respect for referees who have played — although being a great player doesn’t